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    Campus Virtual Private Network (VPN) Off-Campus Access Service

    2026-01-02 Facebook Twitter Weibo Email

    To reduce information security risks and enhance account security for off-campus access, the Campus Virtual Private Network (hereinafter referred to as VPN) service has been changed from default open access to an online application-based system. Users must apply for individual VPN access based on actual needs.

     

    1. Eligible Users

    1.1 Campus Members

    • Enrolled students
    • Full-time faculty and staff
    • Postdoctoral researchers
    • Full-time research assistants

    1.2 External Vendors (Application by Faculty/Staff Required)

    • External vendors who require VPN access for system deployment, maintenance, or project collaboration
    • Vendors are not allowed to apply directly and must be sponsored and managed by a faculty or staff member of the University

     

    2. Scope of Use

    VPN access may only be granted under the following circumstances:

    2.1 Off-campus access to systems or hosts restricted to on-campus IP addresses

    2.2 Remote access to managed equipment located in the campus data center

    2.3 Remote system administration or maintenance support

     

    3. Access Period

    3.1 Campus Members

    VPN access is valid for the current academic semester only. Reapplication is required upon expiration.

    • First semester:
      Applications submitted between August 1 (current year) and January 30 (following year)
      ➔ Access valid until January 31 of the following year
    • Second semester:
      Applications submitted between February 1 and July 30
      ➔ Access valid until July 31 of the same year

    ※ VPN access will be automatically revoked upon graduation, withdrawal, departure from the University, or project termination.

     

    3.2 External Vendors

    • The access period is specified by the applicant (faculty/staff member)
    • The maximum access duration is one month
    • Access will be automatically revoked upon expiration

     

    4. Application and Approval Process

    Applicants must log in using your TMU email account and provide the approver’s campus email address (advisor, department supervisor, or principal investigator), depending on their role.

    Approval Authority by Applicant Type

    Applicant Type

    Approver

    Enrolled Students

    Academic Advisor

    Full-time Faculty/Staff

    Department Supervisor

    Department Supervisor

    Postdoctoral Researchers

    Full-time Research Assistants

    PI

    Approval Workflow

    1. Review and approval by the academic advisor, department supervisor, or principal investigator
    2. Final review and VPN account activation by the Office of Information Technology

    Review by the Office of Information Technology takes approximately three working days.
    Applicants will be notified by email once approved.
    If an application is returned, a new application must be submitted.

     

    5. FAQ

    Q1: Why can’t I log in to the VPN?

    1. Authorization issue: Please ensure your application has been approved and you have received the approval notification email.
    2. Expiration issue: Please verify that your access period has not expired (January 31 or July 31).
    3. Password issue: Please ensure your password has been synchronized via the University website under Email Password Change.

    Q2: What should I do if VPN installation or connection fails?

    1. Confirm that the latest University-designated version of FortiClient is installed (removal of older versions is recommended).
    2. Refer to the FortiClient VPN Setup Guide on the Office of Information Technology website.
    3. If the issue persists, please capture the error message and contact the Office of Information Technology.

    Q3: When is VPN NOT required?

    VPN access is not required for the following services:

    • Cloud Services: Google Workspace (Gmail, Drive), Microsoft 365
    • Administrative Systems: University website, ERP, assistant management systems, academic systems, document approval, attendance and leave systems, information service platforms, etc.
    • Teaching & Research: I'm@TMU (Digital Learning 4.0), library electronic resources, software downloads
    • General Internet Access: Browsing external websites

    Q4: Why can’t I access general websites while connected to the VPN?

    This is normal. VPN access is restricted to the approved destination IP addresses only.
    Please disconnect from the VPN if you need to browse general websites.

    Q5: How to Check Your Computer’s IP Address?

    Windows Operating System (Using Command Prompt)

    1. Click Start, type cmd, and press Enter.

    2. Type ipconfig and press Enter.

    3. Locate the IPv4 Address, which is the IP address currently used by your computer.

    Q6: How can I remotely connect to an on-campus computer?
    Instructions: Please click here.

    Q7: What should I note if I plan to use Remote Desktop (RDP)?
    If the purpose of your VPN application is to access an on-campus computer via Remote Desktop (RDP), it is recommended to apply for a static IP address for the on-campus computer in advance.
    This helps prevent IP address changes after the computer is powered off, rebooted, or reconnected, which may result in a mismatch with the destination IP specified in the VPN application and cause remote connection failures.

    Q8: Common Network Ports

    Service Port Description
    RDP 3389 Windows Remote Desktop
    SSH 22 Remote administration for Linux/Unix systems